32 former rebels formally enlist in govt’s social integration program

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
December 5, 2008

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  In line with President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s peace and development efforts, about 32 former rebels were formally accepted into the government’s social integration program during the formal reception ceremonies conducted at the Municipal Gym of Kananga, Leyte on December 23, 2008.

Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla, Brig. General Arthur Tabaquero, commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division, PNP Regional Director Abner Cabalquinto, Kananga Mayor Elmer Codilla, PA Cynthia Nierras, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Atty. Reuben Lingating, PIA Director Olive Tiu and Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Clotilde Malatbalat attended the formal reception ceremonies.

In the Reception Ceremonies, Governor Petilla presented each of some 20 former rebels with the basic assistance of P5,000.  Several of the former rebels have already received financial assistance and rewards from the Provincial Government.

Governor Petilla gave an additional P25,000 to one former rebel who surrendered an M-16 rifle. For surrendering 25 pieces mortars, another rebel was awarded P200,000 by Governor Petilla.

The National Government, through OPAPP Social Integration Program, in support to the efforts of the Provincial Government of Leyte, a milestone in the pursuit of genuine and lasting peace in the community, also awarded the 32 former rebels with P20,000 financial assistance.

Preceding the ceremony, a Social Integration Program Orientation for Local Peace Partners and service providers in the province of Leyte was conducted to increase awareness of the Program and to further drum up support and participation to the Program.

With the promulgation of Administrative Order No. 172 signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on March 23, 2007, the National Committee on Social Integration was created to implement the Social Integration Program.

The Social Integration Program is a process whereby former rebels and their dependents are provided a set of interventions to facilitate their integration into mainstream society. The program provides an increased remuneration for surrendered firearms, explosives and ammunitions.

The program also provides immediate cash assistance of P20,000 each while the former rebels undergo the process requirements for the grant of socio-economic interventions. The Socio-Economic interventions in the amount of P50,000 is in the form of capital goods.